Keep the Vacation Feeling Alive — Even When Real Life Returns

From slow, lazy mornings and laughter-filled days to sunsets shared with the people you love — we all crave that delicious sense of freedom, presence, and pure joy that vacation brings.

And let’s be honest: real life loves to snatch that feeling back faster than you can say “back to work.” Even if you truly love what you do.

But here’s the truth: you don’t have to lose it. You can hold onto that feeling — and sprinkle a little holiday magic into your everyday life, long after the suitcase is unpacked.

You know exactly what I mean — that deep, soul-level exhale when you finally shut the laptop, silence your phone, and realize: I get to just be. No deadlines. No back-to-back meetings. No shoulds.Just you, a fresh view, and the luxury of time.

And guess what? Science backs it up: most of us need about seven days to really unwind — stress levels drop, sleep deepens, creativity comes out to play. The trick? Once you’re home, you’ve got to guard that glow like it’s your favorite bottle of holiday wine. So how do you keep that post-vacation magic alive when real life barges in with its to-do lists?

Let’s make it real:

1. Notice What’s Different

Before you dive back into the hustle, pause. Tune in.

• Is your breath deeper?

• Is your mind quieter?

• Are you laughing more? Sleeping better? Feeling lighter?

Write it down. Say it out loud. Tell a friend.Awareness is your anchor — it reminds you who you are when you feel most you.

2. Bring the Best Bits Back Home

What made your soul go ahhh on holiday? Morning swims? Long breakfasts? Wandering with no plans?

Your view might not be an ocean — but you can absolutely recreate the feeling.

Ask yourself: How can I sneak those moments into my everyday life?

• No phone for the first hour of the day — just you, waking up gently.

• Take your morning coffee outside, even if it’s chilly.

• Block one afternoon a week for no meetings — just deep work or deep rest.

• Nap. Dance. Read for fun. Do what reminds you how good life can feel.

3. Protect Your Boundaries Like a Pro

One reason vacation feels so good? Space to breathe, to think, to do nothing at all. But the minute we’re back, we cram every inch of it again.

What if you didn’t?

• Guard your evenings and weekends like sacred ground.

• Let no be a full sentence.

• Remind yourself daily: your well-being isn’t a luxury — it’s the fuel for everything else.

4. Make Mini Escapes a Thing

Don’t wait a whole year to exhale again.Research shows tiny breaks — weekend getaways, day trips, even an hour alone with your journal — can work magic for your energy and mood.

• Plan a mini adventure every month or so.

• Explore somewhere new.

• Book that cozy cabin.

• Switch off and just be — even for a day.

  
  

5. Keep Asking the Brave Questions

Most importantly? Keep checking in with your heart.

• Am I living the life I really want — or just drifting?

• What do I want more of?

• What am I so ready to leave behind?

• Tiny moments of honesty pull you back when life tries to sweep you away.

  Presence — real, rooted presence — is vacation’s best souvenir. Keep choosing it.

  
  

These small resets keep the vacation vibe alive — and remind you that rest isn’t something you need to earn.

Keep the Vacation Feeling Alive — Resources

If you’d love to explore the science and inspiration behind this, here are a few starting points:

• Sonja Lyubomirsky — The How of Happiness Her research shows how small, intentional actions can help you sustain well-being and that post-vacation glow.

• Dacher Keltner — Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder Discover how awe-inspiring moments — like sunsets, nature, and new places — expand your sense of time and connection, long after your holiday ends.

• Sabine Sonnentag — Recovery Experiences Sonnentag’s studies on work recovery show how detachment, relaxation, and mastery help you recharge — and how to weave these benefits into daily life.

• Jessica de Bloom — Microbreaks and Mini-Vacations Research from de Bloom and colleagues reveals how regular mini-getaways and mindful pauses can reduce stress and boost your everyday joy.